Converge 2025 brought together leaders, educators, and visionaries in Christian education from around the world to Orlando to explore the pressing challenges and opportunities facing schools today. As Christian educators navigate a rapidly evolving world, the conference reinforced the importance of being faithfully present—deeply engaged in our schools, churches, and communities to cultivate both academic and spiritual growth.
Here are five key takeaways from the event:
1. Faith Formation is the Heart of Christian Education
Christian schools exist to instill a Christ-centered worldview in students, and this mission remains at the core of everything they do. Successful Christian education happens in partnership with the home and the church, creating a strong foundation for faith formation. Schools must continue fostering deep connections between students, families, and local church communities to nurture a lifelong commitment to faith and kingdom service.
A theme echoed throughout Converge 2025 was the importance of faithful presence—actively engaging with students, families, and the broader community to reflect Christ’s love. Christian schools are called not just to educate but to cultivate an environment of shalom—promoting harmony, wholeness, and well-being.
2. Transformative Leadership is Essential in Education Today
The landscape of education is shifting, and Christian schools must embrace leadership that is innovative, collaborative, and compassionate. Transformative leaders inspire change, navigate challenges with wisdom, and build strong school communities. Conference speakers challenged attendees to reflect on the core purposes for educating the “Whole Child.”
By aligning leadership with a biblical vision of human flourishing, schools cultivate not just academic success, but a lifelong foundation of faith and purpose for students.
3. Growing Schools Begins with Growing Educators
Schools thrive when their administrators and teachers are growing. Professional development and continuous learning among faculty directly impact student success. By investing in mentorship, training, and professional growth opportunities, schools create an environment where both educators and students flourish.
Converge 2025 highlighted that Christian educators, much like their students, must be lifelong learners. Equipping faculty with the right tools, knowledge, skills, and worldview ensures that they are prepared to guide students academically and spiritually in an ever-changing world.
4. Strategic Board Leadership is More Important Than Ever
The role of school boards is becoming increasingly vital. Understanding both the opportunities and threats in education requires strategic decision-making and governance. Board members must be mission focused, equipped with a clear vision, and possess a deep understanding of the challenges Christian schools face, ensuring they are positioned for long-term success.
Strong board leadership allows schools to remain courageously good—boldly standing firm in their mission while adapting to new educational landscapes. Strategic planning, financial stewardship, and clear vision are essential in guiding schools through an era of change.
5. Christian Schools Educate with Eternity in Mind
Beyond academic excellence, Christian education seeks to shape the hearts and minds of students for a greater purpose. The next generation is the most precious resource for both today’s world and God’s kingdom. Great schools prioritize a Christ-centered approach, preparing students not just for careers, but for a lifetime of faith and service.
A powerful message at Converge 2025 was the idea of embodied faith—where educators and leaders “pitch their tents” within their communities, fully investing in the lives of students and families. By leading with presence, purpose, and humility, Christian schools create environments where students can flourish academically and spiritually, while transforming the world for Jesus Christ.
Moving Forward
The theme of Converge 2025, Faithfully Present – Courageously Good, reminds us that we journey forward knowing that healthy schools depend on intentional leadership, strong partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to the foundational mission for which Christian schools exist. By strengthening our schools, we are shaping the next generation of Christian leaders who will impact the world for Christ.
About the Author
This article was written by Mark Buteyn, Business Development – Education at WDS Construction. WDS Construction is dedicated to building environments that support Christian education, helping schools create spaces where faith and learning thrive. To learn more about our private education and Christian school construction services, visit our Education Market page.
